Bryce Canyon National Park
A Journey into Utah's Otherworldly Amphitheaters
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 12/20/2024
Bryce Canyon National Park, spanning 35,835 acres in southern Utah, is a natural wonder celebrated for its striking crimson hoodoos—towering, spire-shaped rock formations sculpted by millions of years of freezing, thawing, and erosion. The park’s highlights include the breathtaking Bryce Amphitheater, which lies below the Rim Trail and can be admired from overlooks like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, Inspiration Point, and Bryce Point.
Visitors can explore the park’s extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Popular routes, such as the Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden, invite hikers to descend into the amphitheaters and experience the grandeur of the hoodoos up close.
Bryce Canyon’s high elevation also offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. As a designated International Dark Sky Park, it provides an unparalleled view of the Milky Way and constellations. Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter mule deer, prairie dogs, and diverse bird species, adding to the park’s allure.
Whether you’re capturing the magical glow of sunrise, trekking through hoodoo-filled landscapes, or marveling at a star-studded sky, Bryce Canyon delivers a truly unforgettable adventure steeped in natural beauty and serenity.
Bryce Canyon National Park Facts
- When was Bryce Canyon National Park established? On June 7, 1924, Congress passed a bill to establish Utah National Park, when all land within the national monument would become the property of the United States. The land was acquired and the name was restored to Bryce Canyon. On February 25, 1928, Bryce Canyon officially became a national park.
- What is the size of Bryce Canyon National Park? Legislation enlarged the park to its current size of 35,835 acres. Bryce is famous for its unique geology, consisting of a series of horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah.
- What is the annual visitation to Bryce Canyon National Park? Over two million visitors come to experience the otherworldly magic of Bryce Canyon National Park each year.
- The Bryce Canyon area was settled by Mormon pioneers in the 1850s and was named after Ebenezer Bryce, who homesteaded in the area in 1874.
- The area around Bryce Canyon became a National Monument in 1923 and was designated as a National Park in 1928.
- Bryce Canyon Park covers an area of 145 square kilometers (56 square miles) or 14,502 hectares (35,835 acres).
- Rainbow Point is the highest part of the park at 2,775 meters (9,105 feet) and Yellow Creek is the lowest part of the park at 2,020 meters (6,620 feet).
- The major feature of the park is Bryce Canyon, which was not formed from erosion initiated from a central stream, meaning it technically is not a canyon.
- The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colorful limestone rock of the Claron Formation into bizarre shapes including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called “hoodoos.”
- Bryce Canyon's rocks are among the youngest of those on the Colorado Plateau, dating back a mere 65 million years ago to the Cretaceous period.
- 7-day entrance passes to Bryce Canyon National Park cost $35 for vehicles and $20 per person for motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The fee includes unlimited use of the free shuttle bus that runs from late May through early October.
- Bryce Canyon National Park is located at a relatively high elevation of 8,000 to 9,000 feet, meaning that it is much cooler than at Utah's other national parks such as Zion, Canyonlands, and Arches.
- Entrance fees - and annual passes that are good bargains, can be found on the National Park Service website.
- Bryce Canyon National park has officially gained International Dark Sky status.
- Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon. Despite its name, Bryce Canyon is actually a series of 14 amphitheaters carved by erosion.
- Bristlecone pines in Bryce Canyon National Park are some of the oldest living trees on Earth. Some of these trees are over 5,000 years old!
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Click the video poster image to view our Bryce Canyon National Park - Itinerary and Tips for First Time Visitors video. Follow this Bryce Canyon itinerary. Get the tips you need for a successful stay and get a glimpse of the major sites to see including an up close look at the hoodoos! Take a hike in Bryce Canyon on the Queens Garden/Navajo Loop trail; one of the most scenic trails in the park.
Bryce Canyon was easily one of our favorite parks of the Utah big 5! We visited the top 5 in Utah and Mesa Verde and the Colorado National Monument during our 16 day tour. Bryce Canyon is further from some of the major cities but worth the visit.
Where is Bryce Canyon National Park Located Map
Click Image to view a larger mapAfter departing our basecamp in Torrey, UT, we drove to Bryce Canyon National Park - or perhaps I should say we drove to Tropic, UT as that was where we stayed. We did not want to stay at one of the motels adjacent to the park, or in the park lodge, as they were very expensive. The motel in Tropic, UT ( Bryce Canyon Log Cabins) was comfortable and we had a cabin suite which suited our requirements nicely. Staying in Tropic also allowed us to be 10 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park, which was a nice drive as there was very little traffic early in the morning.
As you can see in this National Park Map, Bryce Canyon is long and narrow - it is approximately 18 miles from the Visitor Center to Rainbow Point. The park shuttle buses do not provide service beyond Bryce Point, so if you want to see Rainbow Point you will have to drive there.
Places to stay near Bryce Canyon National Park
Accommodations near Bryce Canyon National Park range from rustic to luxurious, catering to diverse preferences and budgets. Visitors can choose from charming lodges, cozy cabins, and budget-friendly motels located just minutes from the park entrance. Bryce Canyon City and nearby towns like Tropic and Panguitch offer convenient options, including chain hotels and family-run inns. For nature lovers, campgrounds and RV parks provide an immersive outdoor experience. Many accommodations feature amenities like free shuttles, dining, and scenic views, ensuring a comfortable stay. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as availability can be limited.
Here are the top 5 guest rated accommodations near Bryce Canyon National Park:
- Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel: A mile from Bryce Canyon National Park, this casual, country-style hotel is 4 miles from Sunset Point and 8 miles from Swamp Canyon. (Guest Rating 4.4)
- Bryce Canyon Log Cabins: 11 miles from Bryce Canyon National Park. They offer cozy, rustic accommodations with a charming Western ambiance. These individually crafted log cabins provide modern comforts, including air conditioning, heating, Wi-Fi, and private porches with views of the surrounding countryside. Each cabin is well-appointed with spacious interiors, comfortable beds, and convenient amenities like mini-fridges and microwaves, making it an ideal base for exploring. (Guest Rating 4.4)
- Stone Canyon Inn: A minute's walk from Bryce Canyon National Park, this serene hotel is 6 miles from the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. (Guest Rating 4.5)
- The Lodge at Bryce Canyon: Set around a landmark 1920s building, this rustic property in Bryce Canyon National Park is adjacent to the Rim Trail and 74.9 miles from Zion National Park. (Guest Rating 4.4)
- Red Canyon Cabins: Located in Kanab, Red Canyon Cabins has accommodations with free WiFi and a garden with a grill and mountain views. Fitted with a balcony, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower and a hairdryer. A fridge and microwave are also offered, as well as a coffee machine. (Guest Rating 4.3)
We stayed at the Bryce Canyon Log Cabins in Tropic, UT and really enjoyed our stay there.
In the next section of this page, we will show more about the Bryce Canyon Log Cabins - and yes, it is very quiet in Tropic, UT.
Staying in Tropic turned out to be a great decision - it was only 8 miles from the park, there is a great BBQ shop in town, there is a small grocery store, gas station - there was everything we needed. The icing on the cake was that the log cabin we stayed in was comfortable and had a small kitchen and a great view from the back porch of the cabin.
More Info about Bryce Canyon Log Cabins
- Website: Here is the link to their website.
- Map: Google Map link to their location.
- Google Images Set: Google Image set link.
- Good BBQ Restaurant: We had really good BBQ at I.D.K. BBQ located at 161 North Main St, Tropic, UT 84776. Almost across the street from the Bryce Canyon Log Cabins. (Tropic is a really small town...)
- Google Reviews for Bryce Canyon Log Cabins, Tropic Utah
Image Credits
- All the above images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC unless otherwise noted.
Exploring Bryce Canyon National Park - Queen's/Navajo Combination Loop Trail
Our first morning's adventure was to drive over to the park and to trek the Queens Garden & Navajo Loop Trail. It is a 2.9 mile hike, easily the most popular hiking trail in the park. We started it from Sunrise Point, down the trail on an approximately 600 foot descent. The National Park Service describes that the Navajo Trail up to Sunset Point is not as steep as the Queen's Garden trail, but they achieve that through a series of switchbacks that reduce the steepness, but slightly increase the trail length. The last 3 images above were taken on the switchback portion of the Navajo Trail and it shows how steep it was for us.
The Queen’s Garden/Navajo Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most popular and picturesque hikes, but it presents several challenges due to its unique terrain, elevation changes, and weather conditions. Here’s an overview of the difficulties hikers may encounter:
- Steep Elevation Changes:
- The trail descends roughly 320 feet (98 meters) into the Bryce Amphitheater, followed by a steep ascent to return. The ascent is also physically demanding, particularly for those unaccustomed to higher altitudes.
- The Wall Street section on the Navajo Loop involves steep switchbacks, requiring stamina and very careful footing.
- High Elevation and Thin Air:
- The trailhead starts at around 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level, where oxygen levels are lower. Hikers may experience shortness of breath or fatigue, especially if they are not acclimated to high-altitude conditions.
- Rocky and Uneven Terrain:
- The trail consists of loose gravel, narrow paths, and exposed roots. This can increase the risk of slips and falls, especially on the descent into the canyon or after rain.
- Weather Extremes:
- Summer Heat: Temperatures can exceed 85°F (29°C), and there is minimal shade along the trail, increasing the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion.
- Winter Ice and Snow: In colder months, icy sections make footing treacherous, particularly on steep switchbacks like Wall Street.
- Flash Flooding: Sudden storms can lead to flash floods in narrow areas of the canyon, creating hazardous conditions.
- Crowds:
- As one of the most iconic trails in the park, it can become crowded, especially during peak times. This can slow progress and make the experience less serene, particularly on narrow sections.
- Time Commitment:
- Although the loop is only about 2.9 miles (4.6 kilometers), the combination of elevation gain and challenging terrain means it may take longer than anticipated, especially for beginners.
After we completed the hike and returned to Sunset Point, we caught one of the park shuttles back to Sunrise Point, as by then my butt was dragging ! The shuttle buses are great for allowing visitors to park at one location and then move about the park on their buses. The buses do not go all the way to the Rainbow Point however.
NOTE: This trail is steep going down and even steeper going back up to the rim. It is imperative that you are wearing good quality hiking boots or shoes or your feet are going to not be happy with you. Take a look here at the hiking shoes & boots offered by REI. You are also going to need to bring water with you.
On our last day there, we drove to Natural Bridge and Rainbow Point. This is as far as you can drive in the park, as the road ends at Rainbow Point. It is 22 miles from the Visitor's Center to Rainbow Point, so be sure you have the time to burn!
Some Useful Links for Bryce Canyon
- Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
- Bryce Canyon Website
- Google Search Results list for "restaurants in the Bryce Canyon area"
- Google Search Results list for "accommodations in the Bryce Canyon area"
- Google Search Results list for "things to do or see in Bryce Canyon National Park"
- 15 Best Things To Do in Bryce Canyon National Park on the "US News & Travel" site
- Amazon Search Results for "Bryce Canyon"
- Youtube Search Results for "Bryce Canyon National Park"
- Our Bryce Canyon National Park Image Gallery
- Visit our Youtube Channel
- Bryce Canyon National Park Site-seeing Tour from the "Get Your Guide" site
- Bryce Canyon National Park on the "National Park Service" Website
- Our Image Gallery for Bryce Canyon National Park
- Wikipedia Article for Bryce Canyon National Park
- Google Image Gallery for Bryce Canyon National Park
- Bryce Canyon National Park Wikipedia Article
- Google Reviews for Bryce Canyon National Park
Trip Itinerary
Click above map to view a larger Google Map As you can see by the this map, our trip covered 3 different states, approximately 1,600 road miles and allowed us to see some spectacular geography. You might think that a trip of this distance would be something that would result in a "tired of driving" mood - but our stops were so diverse with such incredible geography and fun things to do, that we found that we looked forward to each morning to where we could continue our adventures!
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